TuscBDD Earns Highest State Accreditation Award & PBIS Gold Award

by Kerri Silverthorn, Community Relations/Special Projects Director | Tue, Oct 26th, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

New Philadelphia, October 25, 2021: At the October 2021 regularly scheduled board meeting for the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (TuscBDD), the Board recognized the earning of a three-year state accreditation award (the highest possible award that is granted by the state of Ohio) and a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Gold Award (the highest possible award that is granted by the Ohio PBIS Network and Ohio Department of Education State Support Team).

Accreditation reviews are conducted by The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) to ensure that County Boards meet accreditation standards. Based on the results of an accreditation review, a County Board is awarded an accreditation from one to three years. Ohio’s PBIS Recognition System provides an opportunity for schools and districts to be recognized for creating school environments that are positive, predictable, safe, and equitable. Schools are eligible to receive awards at the bronze, silver, or gold levels of distinction.

At the beginning of the state accreditation, TuscBDD employees presented the reviewers with stories and videos to convey TuscBDD priorities. “At the entrance presentation, TuscBDD employees shared videos and stories that documented the experiences of several people in the community and highlighted TuscBDD’s commitment to technology, education, and innovative and quality services for people living with developmental disabilities in Tuscarawas County,” shared Kerri Silverthorn, TuscBDD Community Relations/Special Project Director.

TuscBDD’s accreditation review continued with an intense analysis of documentation, individual interviews, human resource files, agency strategic plan, and advocacy efforts. “The entire TuscBDD team is dedicated to serving people with developmental disabilities in our community,” stated Nate Kamban, TuscBDD Superintendent. “The team worked hard to show the state what we are all about and how much we care about the people we serve, and I can’t thank our creative and talented team enough!”

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 22nd at 5:30 PM. More information about TuscBDD's programs and services can be found online at www.tuscbdd.org.

Photo Caption TuscBDD staff members

Left to Right-Back Row: Ben Kolbrich, Alisha Ketchem, Lynn Angelozzi, Jamie Maize, Marissa Marshall, Amanda Burnsworth, Jeniece Schering, Holly Lawver, Dana DiGenova, Nate Kamban, Tammy Smith, Sophie Graves-Clore, Kathy Kent, Shari Dine, Kristi Blick, Darcie Berger, Lisa Sidoti

Left to Right-Front Row Sitting: Kelli Hepner, Bonnie Hastedt, Jami Baker, Joy Yoder, Nicole Cunningham

by Kerri Silverthorn, Community Relations/Special Projects Director Tue, Oct 26th, 2021